"We are putting safety before sales": Helston bar and restaurant on finding a new normal

Helston Nub News is all about supporting the local community. We want to be a news website that serves to tell everyone's story.

The pandemic has been hard on our high street and business owners. Each shop, pub and establishment has taken its own journey and faces its own challenges.

As lockdown restrictions continue to ease, we want to support every person in their journey to safely achieve some normality again.

Today we speak to Henlys Bar and Restaurant, situated on Church Street, their range of cocktails and authentically British menu makes them an extremely popular spot for locals and tourists.

They reopened their doors to customers last week.

1. Tell me a bit about the business?

Sean and Myself (Amy) bought the business back in May 2017. We wanted to drive the business forward by creating a friendly atmosphere, world-class customer service using local produce and having a diverse drink and cocktail range. We have found the business food side going from strength to strength and it really is a passion of ours. We closed on Friday the 20th on March in line with the government's instructions.

2. How was it while being closed for lockdown?

We offered our Mother's Day menu as a take out option but then closed our doors to allow a local Chef (Paul Stevens) use our kitchen and produce to make meals for the NHS staff at Helston Cottage Hospital. The hardest part of the closure was not seeing our guests or team who we consider our family.

The financial uncertainty was always a worry as it was for every business in the world, we worked hard to make sure Henlys remained a viable business for when we eventually on July the 4th. We have certainly learnt a lot, things we would never have imagined. On a positive note, it gave us a much-needed break and we all do happy to be back and are re-energised!

3. How has it been since you reopened?

It has been amazing being able to re-open, everyone has been respectful, careful and really positive. All our amazing regular guests have been in to see us and offered support throughout. Although people have been nervous about the new "normal" everyone has commented on how safe & comfortable they feel.

4. What has changed in your business due to COVID?

Ourselves and the team underwent a lot of training in regards to safeguarding ourselves and guests. We have put many policies in place such as full table service, socially distant tables and extensive antiviral cleaning. We have contactless sanitising stations near every common touchpoint.

Having restricted numbers has meant that we are seeing fewer sales but it's a small to pay to keep everyone safe. We feel that the table service we offer is truly the only way to optimise the safety of both our team and our guests. We have added lots more chemicals to our list and clearing tables is a lot more time consuming but we have been told numerous times that our visitors are grateful for the lengths we go to.

5. Anything else you would like to add?

As a company, we are putting safety before sales and would welcome everyone in the local area to confidently come and visit us whether to dine, enjoy our amazing Steak Night deals or our handcrafted cocktails. We are happy to be back.

You can keep up to date with Henlys Bar and Restaurant here.